Chapter 2
Since that day, Delilah's condition had only worsened. Emmett Harper, the rogue son of the Red Claw Pack’s Alpha, dedicated himself to her care, staying by her bedside day and night. He pulled every string, reaching out to healers and specialists from other packs for their advice. A bone marrow transplant was still her best hope. As a Delta of the Silver Moon Pack, I was the top match for Delilah, the ideal candidate for the transplant.
Emmett had no choice but to approach me again. But each time he came, I either turned him away or dismissed him with my cold indifference. Meanwhile, my father, the respected Gamma of the Silver Moon Pack, had already discussed my future with Ayden Harper, the Alpha of the Red Claw Pack and Emmett’s uncle. While I was busy preparing for our mating ceremony, Emmett appeared before me once more.
Sensing something was off about my demeanor, he tried to placate me, saying, "Amelia, today is the fifth anniversary of our bond. Remember how we planned to celebrate with a pack gathering by the lake?" He smiled, trying to charm me. "I’ve arranged everything just the way you like it. Let’s go, shall we?"
I scoffed, "When you gave our keepsake to Delilah, that was it for us." It was a family heirloom, not something to be treated lightly. "If it’s not back with the Bennetts in two days, I’ll go straight to your uncle, the Alpha."
The gathering was something I had insisted on last month, initially to celebrate our bond. But now, I wanted no further entanglements with him and doubted he genuinely wanted to celebrate. Emmett, however, seemed to think I was merely acting out and suddenly grabbed my arm. "Stop being difficult. The gathering is set; you have to come."
His face was anxious, frantic, and I had a bad feeling. I struggled desperately, "Emmett, let go of me!" He ignored my pleas, dragging me from the empty doorway to the street and pulling me forcefully into a black SUV.
The car sped down the road, quickly arriving at the harbor where an enormous yacht awaited. Bright lights adorned the ship, giving me a sense of dread. The deck was decorated with flowers and balloons, a band playing nearby. Pack members and their mates mingled, glancing curiously as Emmett brought me on board.
I pulled my hand free and demanded, "What is it you want?" Emmett frowned, attempting to soothe me, "Amelia, I arranged this gathering as a surprise for you." He continued, "But Delilah’s condition is critical. I’ve brought in a top-notch healer team; they’re here on the yacht."
"Don’t worry, after the procedure, I’ll reaffirm our bond in front of everyone. Haven’t you always wanted a memorable ceremony?" My eyes widened, shocked at his audacity.
"So this is your surprise?" I asked. "Your idea of a memorable ceremony is taking my bone marrow in front of everyone?" I accused.
Emmett’s expression turned grim. "I’m giving you a chance to preserve your reputation. I don’t want the pack to think you’re selfish and envious, refusing to save a life."
"If something happens to Delilah because of you, could you live with that guilt?" His voice was icy. I replied icily, "Nothing you say will make me agree, and you can’t force me."
Emmett gave a chilling smile, stepping closer. "It doesn’t matter if you agree. I’ve planned everything. I’ll make it look like you drowned accidentally, then quietly retrieve you for the transplant."
Just then, Delilah appeared, leaning weakly against Emmett, but with a defiant look in her eyes. "Sister, Emmett has already done so much for me. Don’t be so harsh on him."
I was about to speak when a loud rumbling echoed from below deck. Suddenly, the ship began shaking violently, dishes smashing to the floor, pack members shouting in panic. I stumbled, nearly falling, but managed to grab a nearby railing.
Delilah, too, was unsteady, her eyes wide with fear as she slid toward the ship’s edge. Emmett took advantage of the chaos to shove me hard. Then he lunged toward Delilah, grabbing her arm and pulling her close.
The deck beneath my feet was breaking apart in the turmoil, and I called out desperately to Emmett. But he only looked at me coldly, pressing a tender kiss to Delilah’s forehead right in front of me.
In despair, I fell with the shattered deck into the freezing, biting sea. Water filled my mouth and nose as I struggled, catching sight of Emmett above me, holding Delilah tightly, his eyes mocking.
Then Emmett shouted my name with apparent urgency, directing the crew to search everywhere. It seemed like chaos, but really, it was a deliberate act to buy time and mislead everyone.
The once-lively yacht descended into utter chaos. Cold seawater enveloped me as I fought against it, hatred burning fiercely within. Why, even after living through this again, couldn’t I escape being hurt by him? I wasn’t ready to give up.
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